Say hello to the lion square! This square is the second design in my growing Wildlife Animal Blanket. A free filet crochet pattern series I’m creating for my animal-loving son.
This square features a bold, proud lion brought to life with simple stitches and a strong silhouette. I absolutely love how he turned out! He is majestic, full of character, and the perfect complement to the gentle giraffe square that started the series.
You can find the free lion square pattern below. And if you’re following along with the whole blanket, don’t forget to visit the special Wildlife Animal Blanket page, where I’ll be sharing all the free animal square patterns as they’re released. You can already find the giraffe square pattern. The elephant is coming soon and even more wild animal designs are on the way!
Materials & Tools Needed for the Lion Square
For this lion square, I used Zeeman Royal yarn in a warm beige/cream color. It’s a soft, affordable worsted weight yarn that’s easy to find in the Netherlands. Each skein is 100 grams and about 241 meters long. I used roughly half a skein to complete this square.
I crocheted it with a 5.0 mm hook.
You can definitely choose a different yarn if you like! Stylecraft Special DK, for example, is a lovely lighter DK weight option. Just remember to adjust your hook size to match your yarn choice.
You’ll also need:
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
If you plan to join several squares into a blanket, using the same yarn weight and hook size throughout will ensure your squares work well together.
Abbreviations and Pattern Notes
This pattern is written in US terms.
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- dc =double crochet
- Chain 3 at beginning of a round counts as first dc stitch.
- Stitches between {} need to be done in the same stitch/space.
Finished Size
The lion square measures about 30 x 30 cm (11.8 x 11.8 inches), making it a versatile piece perfect for blankets or cushions. Keep in mind that your finished size may vary depending on the yarn and hook you use. Smaller hooks or different yarn weights will change the dimensions, allowing you to customize the square to your liking
Disclaimer: This pattern is for your personal use only and cannot be sold, copied, or reproduced in any way without permission from the designers. You may sell finished objects made from this pattern in small quantities but please provide pattern credit back to crazycrochetstudio.com as the pattern designer when posting online. Do not use my photos when selling your finished items.
Pattern Instructions – Lion
Below you’ll find the full pattern instructions for the filet crochet lion square. Follow the written instructions to bring your lion to life.
The lion square measures 45 stitches by 30 double crochet rows.
Start with a CH47.
Row 1:
DC in the fourth CH from the hook, 44DC. Turn. (45)
Row 2:
CH3, 18DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC*. Repeat between ** 2 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 19DC. Turn.
Row 3:
CH3, 15DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 16DC. Turn.
Row 4:
CH3, 14DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 13DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 15DC. Turn.
Row 5:
CH3, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 15DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC Turn.
Row 6:
CH3, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 17DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC. Turn.
Row 7:
CH3, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC*. Repeat between ** 5 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC. Turn.
Row 8:
CH3, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 13DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC. Turn.
Row 9:
CH3, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC. Turn.
Row 10:
CH3, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC. Turn.
Row 11:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC. Turn.
Row 12:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC. Turn.
Row 13:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 14:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 15:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 9DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 16:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 10DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 17:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 23DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC , CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 18:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC,CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 19:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 20:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 21DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 21:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 17DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 22:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC.* Repeat between ** 7 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 23:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 24:
CH3, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC. Turn.
Row 25:
CH3, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 7DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC. Turn.
Row 26:
CH3, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 4DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC. Turn.
Row 27:
CH3, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 2DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC. Turn.
Row 28:
CH3, 12DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 5DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 3DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 8DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 12DC. Turn.
Row 29:
CH3, DC12, *CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC.* Repeat between ** 2 times. CH1, skip a stitch, 6DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 1DC, CH1, skip a stitch, 14DC. Turn.
Row 30:
CH3, 44DC. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Instructions Border
NOTE: Stitches between {} need to be done in the same stitch/space.
On each side you will end up witch 45SC.
With right side facing you, attach yarn to the top right stitch.
44SC, {1SC, CH2, 2SC} for first corner, 42SC down the left side – alternate 1SC in the double crochet and {2SC} in the CH3 space.
{1SC, CH2, 1SC} for second corner, 43SC at the bottom
{1SC, CH2, 2SC} for third corner, 43SC up the right side of the square – alternate 1SC in the double crochet and {2SC} in the CH3 space.
CH2 and SLST into first stitch (fourth corner).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
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